The Street Lawyer Part III

How awesome is it to read Grisham's work in class? We're plowing through The Street Lawyer at not quite break-neck speed and are continuing to see changes in Michael.  He almost seems compassionate now, which is certainly a change from his time Drake & Sweeney.

It's impossible to ignore that the central issue of homelessness in this novel.  Because Grisham hits the reader over the head with this issue, it is easy to discern his views.  The question is, then, is he right?  What are the causes of homelessness and how should we, as a society, react to and feel about them?  This is a discussion for another day (possibly as an essay?).  The blog topics for this week follow.  Please remember that you need to demonstrate good writing conventions and thoughts in your 300+ word responses.

Blog Topics

1. How are Michael and Mister alike?
2. The Street Lawyer examines money, race, and power.  How are these topics affected by the Washington D.C. setting?
3. How does Barry Nuzzo represent Drake & Sweeney's stance.  Should he be trusted?
4. During his orientation (chapter 18) Michael learns about the reality of the homeless.  How do Mordecai's statistics compare to the Government's?  Why is this?
5. What has become of Hector Palma?
6. Besides using their employees, how is Drake & Sweeney harassing Michael?  How does he and those around him handle this harassment?
7. How do Michael's first few days at the 14th Street Legal Clinic compare to those at Drake & Sweeney?
8. How does Ruby illustrate the plight of the homeless?  What affect does she have on Michael and his narrative?